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How far do I have to go back?
Theoretical question, just interested in people's views.
I have a 2006 Mondeo estate which I hope will serve me for a few more years, and I will probably keep it until it is scrap. But if I were to replace it at some point, I definitely wouldn't want a bland Eurobox, and I definitely don't want something high-tech (which even the smallest minicars seem to be these days). How far back would I have to go (and what makes should I be looking at) to get a car which is well-made, simple and reliable, with a bit of style and character? My rough shopping list would be:
Must have: quickish, not a plodder; looks good; rear-wheel drive; easy maintenance; rust-resistant; bulletproof build; simple electrics, power steering.
Don't mind/not essential: electric windows, air conditioning, ABS, EFI/carbs, manual/auto.
Don't want: computer management, CanBUS, design that needs front wheel arches off to change a spark plug, ambient lighting, nagging by bleeps or disembodied voice, anything over-complicated.
I'm thinking (from what I have heard) that a 90s BMW or Mercedes might fit the bill, but I am also told that those marques' reputation for build quality was variable over the years and has in some cases declined badly. Pretty ignorant about this aspect. A colleague has an early Porsche 948 which seems good, but not sure if that would be a DIY proposition.
Budget not specified. Probably up to £3k or so, but I'm thinking several years ahead, and who knows what my finances will be like then. Any ideas or suggestions welcome. Go nuts!
(To be clear, there is nothing wrong with the Mondy, but it's bland like a refrigerator, and I'm looking for something that will be more engaging to own.)
I have a 2006 Mondeo estate which I hope will serve me for a few more years, and I will probably keep it until it is scrap. But if I were to replace it at some point, I definitely wouldn't want a bland Eurobox, and I definitely don't want something high-tech (which even the smallest minicars seem to be these days). How far back would I have to go (and what makes should I be looking at) to get a car which is well-made, simple and reliable, with a bit of style and character? My rough shopping list would be:
Must have: quickish, not a plodder; looks good; rear-wheel drive; easy maintenance; rust-resistant; bulletproof build; simple electrics, power steering.
Don't mind/not essential: electric windows, air conditioning, ABS, EFI/carbs, manual/auto.
Don't want: computer management, CanBUS, design that needs front wheel arches off to change a spark plug, ambient lighting, nagging by bleeps or disembodied voice, anything over-complicated.
I'm thinking (from what I have heard) that a 90s BMW or Mercedes might fit the bill, but I am also told that those marques' reputation for build quality was variable over the years and has in some cases declined badly. Pretty ignorant about this aspect. A colleague has an early Porsche 948 which seems good, but not sure if that would be a DIY proposition.
Budget not specified. Probably up to £3k or so, but I'm thinking several years ahead, and who knows what my finances will be like then. Any ideas or suggestions welcome. Go nuts!
(To be clear, there is nothing wrong with the Mondy, but it's bland like a refrigerator, and I'm looking for something that will be more engaging to own.)
If someone is nice to you but rude to the waiter, they are not a nice person.
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Comments
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1970's or early 80's Mercedes.
But even those can suffer from a by of rust by now.
BMW's of the same age could have rusted away by the time they were 5 years old.Censorship Reigns Supreme in Troll City...0 -
So the 'golden age' that Mercedes built their reputation on ended 30 years ago? Wow, I thought it was more recent than that.If someone is nice to you but rude to the waiter, they are not a nice person.0
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I've a 1994 Merc 250d and it was common on them for the wings to rust out. Mines has had work done and are good, but it's wasted by a poor paint job.
The cars pretty much solid, but not interesting.
Last car was an Audi 80, also a 1994. That was not too bad either, but a diesel too so not much fun. FWD, perhaps a petrol Quattro would be more fun?
Diagnostics wise, I'm sure a lot of 90's stuff can be diagnosed easier than more modern stuff.0 -
E34 BMW, cheap and quality.0
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ilikethesimpsons wrote: »E34 BMW, cheap and quality.
I agree with this, because I had a 1994 520i which was lovely to drive - sold it to a mate with 140K miles on it, and it is still going strong.
This one is the later E39 model, but what a lovely car for the money!
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201311119834934/sort/default/usedcars/postcode/me158hb/onesearchad/used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew/make/bmw/model/5_series/body-type/saloon/fuel-type/petrol/page/1/price-to/3000/engine-size-cars/2l_to_2-5l/price-from/2500/radius/1501?logcode=p0 -
Leftfield...
Alfa 159 3.2V61. Have you tried to Google the answer?
2. If you were in the other person's shoes, how would you react?
3. Do you want a quick answer or better understanding?0 -
Don't get an e39 of that era, too rusty and too many electrical faults and the ABS controller will set you back £200 to get rebuilt just to get the lights off for the MOT. A Merc, unless it has had every body panel replaced and properly painted and sealed will already be sporting those horrible wheel arch spats to hide the tinworm.
Be sensible, get a galvanised 944 2.5 (pre-S2), replace the timing and balancer belts, get the sunroof and boot mechanism overhauled and still get change out of £2000 and scare the boy racers.0 -
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BeenThroughItAll wrote: »Doesn't fit the 'no electronics, no CAN bus, simple' etc. etc. requirements though, does it?
It passes all the "must haves" though, and based on what has been offered so far by way of BMW & Merc, the Alfa is (imho) far better looking.1. Have you tried to Google the answer?
2. If you were in the other person's shoes, how would you react?
3. Do you want a quick answer or better understanding?0 -
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